IU and Byeon Woo-seok Reunite After a Decade in New Drama '21st Century Grand Duchess'
IU expressed her desire to reunite with Byeon Woo-seok in another project after 10 years.

On the 6th, a press conference for MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Duchess' (written by Yoo Ji-won, directed by Park Joon-hwa) was held at the Chosun Palace Seoul Gangnam in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by IU, Byeon Woo-seok, Noh Sang-hyun, Gong Seung-yeon, Yoo Soo-bin, Lee Yeon, and director Park Joon-hwa. Unlike MBC's usual practice of holding press conferences at the Sangam Golden Mouse Hall, this event was notably held at a hotel.

IU and Byeon Woo-seok Reunite After a Decade in New Drama '21st Century Grand Duchess'
'21st Century Grand Duchess' is set against the backdrop of a 21st-century constitutional monarchy, depicting a romance that breaks down social status barriers between a woman who has everything but is dissatisfied with her commoner status and a man who is a prince but can have nothing. In the drama, IU plays the role of Seong Hee-joo, a chaebol heiress who has everything except noble status.

Previously, Byeon Woo-seok made a brief appearance in IU's 2013 music video for 'Between the Lips (50cm)' and also appeared as IU's ex-boyfriend who cheats with her best friend in the 2016 SBS drama 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo'.

Regarding Byeon Woo-seok, IU commented, "He appeared as such a wonderful character, as if to make up for past mistakes. He played the role of my ex-boyfriend who cheated with my best friend in 'Moon Lovers'. After exactly 10 years, we finally got the chance to work together properly in a drama. It felt like we had been preparing for this for 10 years, as there was hardly any awkwardness," she expressed with satisfaction.

IU and Byeon Woo-seok Reunite After a Decade in New Drama '21st Century Grand Duchess'
She continued, "Although we didn't have much interaction over the past 10 years, it was comfortable. Since we worked together in the 10th year, I even thought it would be nice to work together again in another 10 years. It would be great to show our growth in such a cycle."

This drama marks IU's next project following the Netflix release 'You Have Done Well' (hereafter 'You Have Done Well') in March last year. IU shared, "'You Have Done Well' received a lot of love. It was a character I immersed myself in for a long time. After that, choosing a completely different project felt more comfortable."

IU and Byeon Woo-seok Reunite After a Decade in New Drama '21st Century Grand Duchess'
IU found interest in playing a chaebol character, saying, "Initially, I discussed a lot with the director to immerse myself. It took time to get into character, but at some point, it became fun. Although the focus is on the glamorous clothes and accessories and the chaebol setting, there is a celebrity-like feel. The character draws attention and interest wherever she goes. In today's terms, she's a character that draws 'aggro'. There were various fun aspects. She's not a conventionally elegant and graceful character; she has a mix of personalities, which made it even more fun to portray."

'21st Century Grand Duchess' premieres on the 10th at 9:40 PM.

Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr
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